3 things to expect amid Marvel’s surprising absence
San Diego Comic-Con is finally here for 2023, and it’s something fans have been waiting for for a long time. Although big names like Marvel and Netflix are absent from the event, which runs from July 20 to 22, there’s plenty more to see this weekend. We take a look at the big things to watch out for at SDCC 2023 below.
SDCC 2023: 3 big things to watch at San Diego Comic-Con amid Marvel’s surprising absence
3. Expecting Guests
Comic book fans will have a lot to look forward to at SDCC 2023 with big names taking the stage. These include Jim Lee, Frank Miller, Raina Telegemeier, Janice Chiang, Simon Hanselmann, and Steinz. But above all, there are two huge celebrities showing up in San Diego for the event – Rachel Smythe and Junji Ito.
Smythe, who hails from Wellington, New Zealand, is best known for Lore Olympus, a 2018 webtoon original that mesmerized people everywhere through its stunning visuals with a sweet story about messy relationships. His work has earned many awards, including last year’s Eisner Award.
On his part, Junji Ito’s work in Japan dates back to 1987 when he debuted as a manga artist. Since then, Ito has been recognized as one of the best contemporary names in the horror genre. His works, which include Frankenstein, Remina and Lovesickness, have garnered accolades from various award-giving bodies of the world. This time, the four-time Eisner Award-winning artist is set to make an appearance at SDCC 2023 along with other big names in the industry.
2. SDCC 2023 Exclusive
With countless panels, featured guests, and announcements of exciting upcoming projects, fans will surely be queuing up at San Diego Comic Con specialty goods In the event. Keep your eyes peeled for Spinmaster’s highly detailed model kit of The Mandalorian N-1 Starfighter, McFarlane Gold Label Collection’s rendition of Batman’s classic blue costume, NECA’s 4-pack of Samurai-clad Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Mattel’s Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Collection.
only 25 copies are available #sdcc Exclusive The Sandman: Morpheus Helm Masterpiece Edition, which includes the complete saga in six leather-bound hardcovers, art prints and a new story. @neilhimself – at DC booth #4645. https://t.co/oNAxGwHBYR pic.twitter.com/DpvoWTK3Bd
— DC (@DCOofficial) 17 July 2023
In addition, program participants can snag gifts from Funko’s Funkoville sets, Hasbro’s Marvel Legends Deadpool and Bob, Agents of Hydra 2-Pack, DC Comics Sandman Helm Masterpiece Edition, and several exclusive Funko Pops to be found at SDCC 2023. Surely, there will be something for everyone attending the event.
1. First take a look at the many anticipated projects
While some are looking forward to the sale or seeing their favorite celebrities on stage, other fans are hoping to be surprised by first-look videos or announcements of upcoming movies and series. Some panels worth keeping an eye on include Warner Bros. Television preview night, including Adventure Time: Fiona and Cake, Harley Quinn season 4 preview of Max, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers 30th Anniversary, and Kevin Smith’s Masters of the Universe: Revolution, among others.
We’ll be at San Diego Comic Con! Come watch our panel Star Wars Outlaws: Becoming the Galaxy’s Most Wanted on July 22 and find out how we brought the first open-world Star Wars game to life.
Details here: https://t.co/hCBGppBZtq#starwarsoutlawssdcc #SDCC2023 pic.twitter.com/9mSkOVv808
— Star Wars Outlaws (@StarWarsOutlaws) 18 July 2023
There will also be A24’s Talk to Me, Universal Pictures’ Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Celebration, Prime Video’s Good Omens: The Ineffable Season 2 panel, AMC’s In-depth Look at The Walking Dead spinoff Daryl Dixon, The Continental preview of John Wick, Hulu’s Futurama, NBC’s Quantum Leap and Ubisoft’s Star Wars Outlaws advance screenings. Fans in attendance will have plenty of options to watch in terms of announcements and previews during the three-day event.
Why is Marvel missing from SDCC 2023?
Taking a look at the San Diego Comic-Con 2023 schedule, one might wonder where Marvel Studios stands in all that is happening. Well, they confirmed back in June that they’re skipping SDCC and their usual Hall H presentation this year. One of the factors being considered is the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike and its impact on studios’ production and release date challenges for their projects. Marvel’s absence at SDCC 2023 also includes Disney, Lucasfilm, Sony Pictures, HBO and Netflix.
Although Marvel and other big names won’t be appearing at SDCC this year, there are still plenty of reasons for fans to get excited. Keep an eye out as there could be one or two announcements in the coming days which could create a lot of buzz.
